Success

Lesley's Story

Lesley is the receptionist for the Shirlie Project and works on a Wednesday and Thursday.  She has been with the company for over two years and is responsible for the smooth running of the office as well as certain admin tasks.  Prior to working for Shirlie things were quite different for Lesley as she explains it was after watching a news report on North Tonight that helped her make some big decisions that changed her life.

How did you first hear about the Shirlie Project.

‘Well I was living in Aberdeen and watching TV one night when the Shirlie Project was featured on ‘North Tonight’.  They talked about how they supported people back into employment and they showed a couple of clients one of whom was a woman who suffered from MS (multiple sclerosis).  It was clear that they had made a difference to the people featured and I thought when I move to Inverness, I’m going to contact them and see what they can do for me’.

So obviously you did get in touch.

‘Yes as soon as I arrived in Inverness I made the phone call.  A job coach came out and visited me and within a short timescale I was ‘being profiled’ by the guy I had seen on television!  I was lucky in the sense that at the time I was looking for a job, Shirlie was looking for a part time receptionist.  I started with what was initially work experience for 2 or 3 weeks and then I was offered a job’.

What difference has the Shirlie Project made to your life?

‘My aim was to get back to work.  I had been away from the working environment for some time and felt that I really needed to get my confidence back as well as be able to ease myself in gently.  Now 6 months on my confidence has grown and I feel relaxed and that I am making a contribution’.

How are you enjoying your job?

‘I love it!  The staff have all made me feel welcome and I feel part of the team. 
 I know what’s expected of me when I arrive and the additional tasks are increasing my administrative skills’.

How do you feel about becoming ‘The face of Shirlie’!

‘Well if I’m honest, not happy at first.  I’m not the kind of person who enjoys the attention but everybody has been so kind and helpful to me that I wanted to give something back.  People seem to be happy with the photograph and they want to use it so that’s ok by me.’

It is clear the difference that the Shirlie Project has made to Lesley but as her line manager Ann Lee stated it is definitely a two way process.  ‘Lesley has made a significant contribution to the Shirlie office.  She has a warm personality which suits the role of receptionist perfectly and has fitted in well with the team.  She may have only been with us for a short time but we don’t know what we’d do without her!’

 
With thanks to Lesley for her time during this interview.

Christine's Story

Christine felt the time was right for her to go back to work.  Her son had just started primary school and she had the opportunity to attend a 2 day workshop organised by the Shirlie Project.  She completed an application form and it wasn't long after that when she met her job coach.

Christine identified that she would like to build on her computing skills and soon felt confident enough to to sign up for a ECDL course. Shortly after that she got a job in the garden centre at her local Homebase store.

Now 2 years on, Christine has progressed to Sales Advisor in the store's showroom.  Further training has enabled her to use her computing skills and she now helps customers design their kitchens and bathrooms.

The Highland Diversity Awards 2009, presented Christine with The Individual Achievement Award at the Drumossie Hotel in recognition of her positive example of what can be achieved.